Front Row Forwards Research Articles

A Profile of Isometric Cervical Strength in Elite Professional Male Rugby Players.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) provide position-specific normative data for isometric cervical muscle strength and endurance in professional, male rugby players and (2) assess the relationship between age, height, weight, and playing position with cervical muscle strength and endurance. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Professional rugby players completed peak isometric cervical strength testing followed by a test of cervical muscle endurance. Descriptive statistics for continuous variables with strength normalized to body weight were performed. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate associations between strength measurements. RESULTS: In total, 136 players participated including front-row forwards (27%), other forwards (28%), and backs (45%). Front-row forwards had significantly greater peak isometric cervical muscle strength than other position groups, with backs having the lowest strength. Extension produced the highest force for all 3 position groups (429 N ± 104 N), whereas flexion produced the least (275 N ± 65 N). Age was associated with increased isometric cervical muscle strength. There was a statistically significant relationship between peak flexion strength and flexion endurance (P = .003). The average time for the endurance tests were 55.7 (±17.1) seconds and 52.9 (±20.1) seconds for extension and flexion, respectively. Other forwards had lower cervical extension muscle endurance than backs and front-row forwards. CONCLUSIONS: Normative values for peak and endurance isometric strength in professional rugby players illustrate significant differences between playing position. Consider age, body weight, and intraindividual variability when interpreting cervical strength and endurance results. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2024;54(3):1-8. Epub 29 January 2024. doi:10.2519/jospt.2024.11830.

Running demands in club, regional, national, and international provincial New Zealand rugby union competitions.

The demands of national and international professional rugby union matches are well established, however, there has not been a comparative study investigating running demands in New Zealand teams playing in club (amateur), Heartland Championship (semi-professional Div 2), the Mitre 10 Cup (semi-professional Div 1) or Super Rugby (professional) competitions. This information could enable specific training and rehabilitation that programmes to be developed to meet the needs of players in the different competitions. Players wore 10 Hz GPS units during games for one rugby season to determine absolute (m) and relative (m.min-1) measures for total distance, running volume (∼≥7 km·h-1) and high intensity running (∼≥16 km·h-1). There were typically minimal differences (1-2 m.min-1) in running distance measures between amateur level front row forwards and inside backs compared to players in these positions at higher levels of competition. Therefore, amateur players in these positions may find the transition to higher competitions less challenging with respect to running load. In contrast, amateur outside backs and back row forwards may find the increased pace of higher levels of competition more challenging due to typically covering significantly less running and high intensity running distances in amateur games. Differences for half backs were more variable between the levels of competition. Based on our results, it cannot be assumed that amateur rugby has lower running demands than higher competitions or that there is a continuum of increased running demands with increasing competition levels, as some playing positions in the semi-professional (Div 2) (second lowest level of competition) team recorded the largest values for total distance, running and high intensity running. Therefore, the specificity of running demands in a position and competition need to be considered individually for each player when transitioning between competitions. The practice and perception of returning a professional player to amateur club rugby due to the belief that running loads being lower may also be flawed, as we found considerable positional variation in running demands within-and-between competitions.

Anthropometric traits and physical performance of amateur rugby players within specific playing positions

BACKGROUND: This study examined the differences in physical and anthropometric traits between specific playing positions (i.e., forwards: front row, second row, back row; backs: half backs, centers, wings/fullbacks) in amateur rugby players and analyzed the magnitude of correlations among jump, sprint, and strength measures in forwards and backs. METHOD: Sixty-four male rugby players were assessed in anthropometrics, a variety of vertical jumps, 10- and 30-m sprint, and strength tests (i.e., squat and bench press). RESULTS: Front row forwards (FFR) demonstrated significantly higher body mass (BM) than second row (FSR) and back row (FBR) (107.4 ± 12.8, 99.1 ± 9.9 and 91.6 ± 7.6 kg respectively; p< 0.001). FFR showed greater absolute strength in bench press and squat, although no differences were found in relative strength. Regarding the differences in jump performance, FBR and FSR showed significantly (p< 0.05) and significant to non-significant (p= 0.042–0.078, ES = 0.90–1.55) higher jumps in all tasks compared to FFR. Moreover, FBR demonstrated lower sprint times and greater maximum sprinting speed (MSS) than FFR (p< 0.01). For the backs, centers (BCEN) were significantly heavier (p< 0.05) and exhibited a non-significantly moderate larger sprint momentum (p= 0.068, ES = 0.75) compared to half backs (BHB). MSS values were small to moderately greater in favor of wings/fullbacks [BWFB] (p= 0.188–0.059, ES = 0.50–0.71). Finally, statistically significant correlations were found between drop jump (flight time) and jump height across all jump tasks, sprint times and speed for both forwards (r= 0.541 to 0.996, p< 0.001) and backs (r= 0.422 to 0.995, p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, FFR demonstrated significant, small to very large differences, when compared to their specific peers, whereas the backs were more similar. Additionally, our results indicated moderate to strong associations between explosive tasks such as sprinting and jumping in both playing positions.

High-intensity Activity in European vs. National Rugby Union Games in the best 2014–2015 Team

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of competition level on running patterns for five playing position in the most successful 2014-2015 European rugby union team. Seventeen French rugby union championship and seven European rugby Champions Cup games were analysed. Global positioning system (sampling: 10 Hz) were used to determine high-speed movements, high-intensity accelerations, repeated high-intensity efforts and high-intensity micro-movements characteristics for five positional groups. During European Champions Cup games, front row forwards performed a higher number of repeated high-intensity efforts compared to National championship games (5.8±1.6 vs. 3.6±2.3; +61.1%), and back row forwards travelled greater distance both at high-speed movements (3.4±1.8 vs. 2.4±0.9 m·min-1; +41.7%) and after high-intensity accelerations (78.2±14.0 vs. 68.1 ±13.4 m; +14.8%). In backs, scrum halves carried out more high-intensity accelerations (24.7±3.1 vs. 14.8±5.0; +66.3%) whereas outside backs completed a higher number of high-speed movements (62.7±25.4 vs. 48.3±17.0; +29.8%) and repeated high-intensity efforts (13.5±4.6 vs. 9.7±4.9; +39.2%). These results highlighted that the competition level affected the high-intensity activity differently among the five playing positions. Consequently, training programs in elite rugby should be tailored taking into account both the level of competition and the high-intensity running pattern of each playing position.

Lower extremity muscle function of front row rugby union scrummaging

A rugby scrum’s front row must act uniformly to transfer maximal horizontal force and improve performance. This study investigated the muscle activation patterns of lower extremity muscles in front row forwards during live and machine scrums at professional and amateur levels. Electromyography was collected bilaterally on vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles of 75 male rugby prop players during live and machine scrums. ANOVAs compared muscle reaction time, rate of change in muscle amplitude and muscle amplitude between groups and conditions. Cross-correlation analysis explored muscle synchronicity. There were significantly greater rates of change in each muscle amplitude in professional players than amateur players. Additionally, there was significantly quicker muscle reaction time in all muscles, and greater amplitude in vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius, during the live scrum vs. machine condition. The professional props produced more synchronised muscle activation than amateur players and all players produced more synchronised muscle activation against the scrum machine vs. live scrummage. The results indicate a higher skill proficiency and muscle synchronicity in professional players. While scrum machine training is ideally suited for functional muscle strengthening during practice, to truly simulate the requirements of the scrum, training should incorporate the live situation as much as possible.

Sports Medicine International Open – recently published

During rugby scrummaging, front row forwards encounter high levels of force that has been suggested to cause transient fatigue and is likely to reduce subsequent performance. However, little is known about the effect of repetitive scrummaging on force output and onset of fatigue.

The Effect of Repetitive Rugby Scrummaging on Force Output and Muscle Activity

During rugby scrummaging, front row forwards encounter high levels of force that has been suggested to cause transient fatigue and is likely to reduce subsequent performance. However, little is known about the effect of repetitive scrummaging on force output and onset of fatigue. Twelve male front row forwards (21.5±2.3 yr; height 185.7±4.4 cm; body mass 108.5±7.1 kg) each performed three sets of five maximal-effort isometric scrums for 10 s, with 40 s rest separating each repetition; 2 min recovery was provided between each set. Force output and electromyography (EMG) of the right medial gastrocnemius (MG), biceps femoris (BF), gluteus maximus (GM), erector spinae (ES), rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and rectus femoris (RF) were assessed. There was no significant force decrement from performing 15 scrums and no fatigue was detected from EMG median frequency and mean amplitude. For training and practice purposes, coaches and trainers can be confident that 15 individual repetitive static scrums against a machine are unlikely to cause a reduction in force production and promote fatigue. However, the effect of rugby-related activities in conjunction with scrummaging requires further research to determine if transient fatigue is causal to scrummaging for subsequent performance.

Cervical range of motion, cervical and shoulder strength in senior versus age-grade Rugby Union International front-row forwards

ObjectivesTo provide normative values for cervical range of motion (CROM), isometric cervical and shoulder strength for; International Senior professional, and International Age-grade Rugby Union front-row forwards. DesignCross-sectional population study. SettingAll international level front-row players within a Rugby Union Tier 1 Nation. ParticipantsNineteen Senior and 21 Age-grade front-row forwards underwent CROM, cervical and shoulder strength testing. Main outcome measuresCROM was measured using the CROM device and the Gatherer System was used to measure multi-directional isometric cervical and shoulder strength. ResultsThe Age-grade players had significantly lower; cervical strength (26–57% deficits), cervical flexion to extension strength ratios (0.5 vs. 0.6), and shoulder strength (2–36% deficits) than the Senior players. However, there were no differences between front-row positions within each age group. Additionally, there were no differences between age groups or front-row positions in the CROM measurements. ConclusionsSenior Rugby Union front-row forwards have greater cervical and shoulder strength than Age-grade players, with the biggest differences being in cervical strength, highlighting the need for age specific normative values. Importantly, Age-grade players should be evaluated to ensure they have developed sufficient cervical strength prior to entering professional level Rugby Union.

Physical Demands Of Japan Rugby Top League Match-play Using GPS

Recently, Global Positioning System (GPS) have been used as a method to analyze workload in rugby football games and training sessions. But there are few studies of Japan elite rugby. PURPOSE: To investigate the physical demands of Japan rugby top league match-play using GPS, and to compare these demands between positional groups for a more effective training plan. METHODS: GPS data (sampling rate; 15Hz) were collected from 15 Japan rugby elite players from same team during 14 Japan Rugby Top League competition games over one season. Players were categorized into one of four positional groups, FR (front row forwards, i.e. prop and hooker), 2&3R (2nd and 3rd row forwards, i.e. locks, flanker, andNo.8), SH (scrum-half), and BKs (backs, i.e. fly-half, three-quarters, and full-back). Instantaneous raw velocity data obtained from the GPS units was exported to a customized spreadsheet which provided estimations of speed-based variables (0-6km/h, i.e. Standing & Walking, 6-12km/h, i.e. Jogging, 12-18km/h, i.e. Cruising & Striding, 18-20km/h, i.e. High-intensity running, <20km/h, i.e. Sprinting, and total running distance). Analysis of variance and post hoc test were used to compare differences in physical performance variables between positional groups. RESULTS: Total distances covered during match-play by FR, 2&3R, SH, and BKs were 5603.9±252.4m, 5689.1±284.3m, 7001.0±245.8m, 6054.1±857.6m, respectively. There were significant differences between positional groups, and then SH was significant more covered total distance than other positional groups (p<.05). Standing & Walking distances (and ratio for the total distance, same hereinafter) covered by FR, 2&3R, SH, and BKs were 2209m (39.4%), 2009m (35.3%), 2091m (29.9%), and 2550m (42.1%), respectively. Jogging distances were 2207m (39.8%), 2039m (35.8%), 2031m (28.8%), and 1742m (29.0%). Cruising & Striding distances were 967m (17.3%), 1237m (21.8%), 1930m (27.6%),and 1128m (18.6%). High-intensity running distances were 118m (2.0%), 215m (3.8%), 425m (6.1%), and 230m (3.8%). Sprinting distances were 117m (2.1%), 141m (2.5%), 430m (6.1%), and 371m (6.1%). High-intensity running and sprinting distances covered by SH and BKs were significant greater than them covered by FR and 2&3R (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Positional differences exist for running demands as speed-based variables. These results demonstrate the physical demands of elite players in Japan rugby top league.

Spinal muscle activity in simulated rugby union scrummaging is affected by different engagement conditions.

Biomechanical studies of rugby union scrummaging have focused on kinetic and kinematic analyses, while muscle activation strategies employed by front-row players during scrummaging are still unknown. The aim of the current study was to investigate the activity of spinal muscles during machine and live scrums. Nine male front-row forwards scrummaged as individuals against a scrum machine under "crouch-touch-set" and "crouch-bind-set" conditions, and against a two-player opposition in a simulated live condition. Muscle activities of the sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, and erector spinae were measured over the pre-engagement, engagement, and sustained-push phases. The "crouch-bind-set" condition increased muscle activity of the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid before and during the engagement phase in machine scrummaging. During the sustained-push phase, live scrummaging generated higher activities of the erector spinae than either machine conditions. These results suggest that the pre-bind, prior to engagement, may effectively prepare the cervical spine by stiffening joints before the impact phase. Additionally, machine scrummaging does not replicate the muscular demands of live scrummaging for the erector spinae, and for this reason, we advise rugby union forwards to ensure scrummaging is practiced in live situations to improve the specificity of their neuromuscular activation strategies in relation to resisting external loads.

An EMG assessment of Front Row Rugby Union Scrummaging

The rugby union scrum comprises of two distinct phases; the engagement and second shove. The engagement phase is achieved through the interlocking of opposition forward packs through front row players of each team. The current study analysed professional and amateur front row forwards for horizontal force production. EMG patterns and muscular activation were compared between groups during two distinct time points of the engagement phase, pre engagement to first contact and first contact to maximum horizontal force to determine their effects, if any on horizontal force production. Isokinetic strength data was collected from all players to investigate any relationship this had to horizontal force production during the engagement phase. Body mass was found to be significantly different between playing groups. Maximum horizontal force during the engagement phase was significantly different between groups, with professional players generating more than both amateur groups. EMG analysis presented no significant differences between groups for muscular activation patterns. Peak muscular activation for all recorded muscles was achieved prior to first contact. A significant correlation was found between muscular activation and max horizontal force for professional players only. Junior players were found to have a significant negative correlation between isokinetic strength and max horizontal force production.

ARE WE CURRENTLY UNDERESTIMATING THE RISK OF SCRUM-RELATED NECK INJURIES IN RUGBY UNION FRONT-ROW PLAYERS?

BackgroundIn comparison to other aspects of play in rugby union, the scrum is a relatively controlled event, which is governed by numerous safety laws. Also, the scrum, in comparison to...

Repeated high-intensity exercise in professional rugby union

The aim of the present study was to describe the frequency, duration, and nature of repeated high-intensity exercise in Super 14 rugby union. Time–motion analysis was used during seven competition matches over the 2008 and 2009 Super 14 seasons; five players from each of four positional groups (front row forwards, back row forwards, inside backs, and outside backs) were assessed (20 players in total). A repeated high-intensity exercise bout was considered to involve three or more sprints, and/or tackles and/or scrum/ruck/maul activities within 21 s during the same passage of play. The range of repeated high-intensity exercise bouts for each group in a match was as follows: 11–18 for front row forwards, 11–21 for back row forwards, 13–18 for inside backs, and 2–11 for outside backs. The durations of the most intense repeated high-intensity exercise bouts for each position ranged from 53 s to 165 s and the minimum recovery periods between repeated high-intensity exercise bouts ranged from 25 s for the back row forwards to 64 s for the front row forwards. The present results show that repeated high-intensity exercise bouts vary in duration and activities relative to position but all players in a game will average at least 10 changes in activity in the most demanding bouts and complete at least one tackle and two sprints. The most intense periods of activity are likely to last as long as 120 s and as little as 25 s recovery may separate consecutive repeated high-intensity exercise bouts. The present findings can be used by coaches to prepare their players for the most demanding passages of play likely to be experienced in elite rugby union.

The use of Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices to assess movement demands and impacts in Under-19 Rugby Union match play

This study attempted to use Global Positioning System (GPS) devices to obtain information on elite Under-19 rugby union forward and back players with regard to selected movement patterns, as well as impacts from collisions experienced by players. Seventeen Under-19 male rugby players from a provincial rugby institute in Stellenbosch, South Africa, were studied during five games in a Super League A competition. Data revealed that players covered on average 4469.95 ± 292.25 m during a game. Players spent 72.32 ± 4.77% of the total game time either standing or walking. Props and locks spent more time jogging (26.11 ± 3.77%), compared to outside backs (15.6 ± 2.3%). The outside backs spent more time sprinting (1.11 ± 1.18%) than inside backs (0.72 ± 0.30%) or the front and back row forwards (0.48 ± 0.23% and 48 ± 0.13%) respectively. Back row forwards had the highest total amount of impacts (measured in G-force, g) during the games (683.4 ± 295.04). The inside backs experienced the highest amount of severe impacts (>10g) (12.16 ± 3.18) per match. The intermittent nature of Under-19 rugby union match play, as well as the unique roles and requirements of positional groups, were confirmed. The use of GPS technology also offered valuable insight into the severity of impacts experienced by players in different positions, which was not previously available. An understanding of match-play requirements, as well as the number and intensity of collisions experienced by players, can assist coaches with planning specific training programmes, as well as adequate recovery between training sessions and games. Keywords: Global Positioning System, rugby union, match-play, impact.

The physical demands of Super 14 rugby union

Objectives The purpose of the present study was to describe the match-play demands of professional rugby union players competing in Super 14 matches during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Design The movements of 20 players from Super 14 rugby union team during the 2008 and 2009 seasons were video recorded. Methods Using time-motion analysis (TMA), five players from four positional groups (front-row forwards, back-row forwards, inside backs and outside backs) were assessed. Results Players covered between 4218 m and 6389 m during the games. The maximum distances covered in a game by the four groups were: front row forwards (5139 m), back row forwards, (5422 m), inside backs (6389 m) and outside backs (5489 m). The back row forwards spent the greatest amount of time in high-intensity exercise (1190 s), followed by the front row forwards (1015 s), the inside backs (876 s) and the outside backs (570 s). Average distances covered in individual sprint efforts were: front row forwards (16 m), back row forwards (14 m), inside backs (17 m) and outside backs (18 m). Work to rest ratios of 1:4, 1:4, 1:5, and 1:6 were found for the front row and back row forwards, and inside and outside backs respectively. Conclusion The Super 14 competition during 2008 and 2009, have resulted in an increase in total high-intensity activities, sprint frequency, and work to rest ratios across all playing positions. For players and teams to remain competitive in Super 14 rugby, training (including recovery practices) should reflect these current demands.

Kinanthropometry of Group I rugby players in Buenos Aires, Argentina

The large variability in size and structure between playing positions in rugby merits specific kinanthropometric profiling. We aim to report detailed descriptive anthropometric data of a sample of 133 rugby players stratified by field positions (age 24.3 ± 3.6 years, body mass 89.5 ± 13.2 kg, and stature 178.8 ± 7.3 cm) belonging to seven Group I teams competing in the Buenos Aires Rugby Union, and to find out if front row forwards (FR) have larger muscle and skeletal parameters. Body composition was analysed with the five-way fractionation method, expressing tissue masses in absolute terms, relative to weight as percentages and to stature as phantom z-scores. Furthermore, somatotype, body mass index, sum of six skinfolds, and muscle-to-bone ratio were calculated. Players were subsequently grouped into three positional clusters and muscular-skeletal elements compared, showing FR to have larger proportional muscle and skeletal structure than remaining forwards and backs (P < 0.001), albeit a similar muscle-to-bone ratio (P = 0.060). When compared to a sample of the top six teams at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, the Buenos Aires players were considerably smaller, measuring, on average, 3–11 cm less in height and 6–13 kg less in weight.

Physiological And Anthropometric Characteristics Of The Italian National Women Rugby Union Team

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to provide up to date normative data on selected, laboratory-based, functional and anthropometric variables of elite rugby union women players. METHODS: 11 forwards (FW) and 11 backs (BK) from the Italian National team, regularly engaged in elite training and international competitions were tested in March 2007. We measured body mass, stature, % body fat and lean body mass (5-site plicometry), maximum oxygen consumption (incremental cycling test to exhaustion) and lower extremities power (vertical jumping test: squat, SJ, and countermovement jump, CMJ). Mean and standard deviation were calculated in FW and BK and in positional subgroups (i.e. front row FW: props, locks; back row FW: flankers, number 8, hooker; inside BK: fly-half, centre; outside BK: wings, full back). Data were compared by t test and Bonferroni correction (significance p< 0.05). RESULTS: The athletes were 24±4 years old with a 9±6 years playing experience. Results are presented in the table. * and § indicate, respectively, a significant difference between FW and BK and within forwards and backs subgroups.TABLECONCLUSION: The study provides normative functional and anthropometric data for elite female rugby union players, with special reference to positional role. Role differences appear between forwards and backs and between forwards subgroups, suggesting that differences in physical requirements, related to playing positions, are similar for men and women. This normative database can support coaches for talent selection and to guide training to match the playing position demands. Furthermore, periodic monitoring of a variety of playing populations is necessary to quantify and compare the rapidly evolving demands of this game.

Is return to professional rugby union likely after anterior cervical spinal surgery?

We have examined the outcome in 19 professional rugby union players who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion between 1998 and 2003. Through a retrospective review of the medical records and telephone interviews of all 19 players, we have attempted to determine the likelihood of improvement, return to professional sport and the long-term consequences. We have also attempted to relate the probability of symptoms in the neck and radicular pain in the arm to the position of play. Neck and radicular pain were improved in 17 patients, with 13 returning to rugby, the majority by six months after operation. Of these, 13 returned to their pre-operative standard of play, one to a lower level and five have not played rugby again. Two of those who returned to the game have subsequently suffered further symptoms in the neck, one of whom was obliged to retire. The majority of the players with problems in the neck were front row forwards. A return to playing rugby union after surgery and fusion of the anterior cervical spine is both likely and safe and need not end a career in the game.

Isokinetic neck strength profile of senior elite rugby union players

To delineate and compare the isokinetic neck strength profile of senior elite rugby players. One hundred and eighty-nine rugby players (mean; 95% confidence intervals: 24.31; 23.87-24.75 years) were sampled from South African provincial teams and assessed anthropometrically and isokinetically according to a set protocol. Specially designed equipment was used to perform the isokinetic assessment and gathered data were analysed according to positional categories (front, second, back row and backline players). Second row forwards performed the best in the measure of peak flexion (44.04; 40.41-47.67Nm) and lateral flexion right (69.42; 63.36-75.48Nm) and left (66.31; 61.21-71.41Nm) torque, while the front row forwards performed best in peak extension torque (65.60; 62.12-69.08Nm). Few significant differences (p<0.05) existed between the forward positional categories. However, they all proved to be significantly (p<0.05) stronger and more powerful than the backline players. Peak torque values relative to body weight indicated much less variability between all positional categories. Cervical flexor to extensor ratios showed that front row forwards (65; 61.94-68.06%) had significantly (p<0.05) lower ratios than the other positional categories. Absolute peak torque is an important positional prerequisite, especially among the front row forwards. Isokinetic neck strength data presented here provides a benchmark for the effective and quantified comparison of neck strength variables, assisting with preparticipation screening and the effective rehabilitation of injured senior rugby union players.

Time – motion analysis of professional rugby union players during match-play

The aim of this study was to quantify the movement patterns of various playing positions during professional rugby union match-play, such that the relative importance of aerobic and anaerobic energy pathways to performance could be estimated. Video analysis was conducted of individual players (n=29) from the Otago Highlanders during six “Super 12” representative fixtures. Each movement was coded as one of six speeds of locomotion (standing still, walking, jogging, cruising, sprinting, and utility), three states of non-running intensive exertion (rucking/mauling, tackling, and scrummaging), and three discrete activities (kicking, jumping, passing). The results indicated significant demands on all energy systems in all playing positions, yet implied a greater reliance on anaerobic glycolytic metabolism in forwards, due primarily to their regular involvement in non-running intense activities such as rucking, mauling, scrummaging, and tackling. Positional group comparisons indicated that while the greatest differences existed between forwards and backs, each positional group had its own unique demands. Front row forwards were mostly involved in activities involving gaining/retaining possession, back row forwards tended to play more of a pseudo back-line role, performing less rucking/mauling than front row forwards, yet being more involved in aspects of broken play such as sprinting and tackling. While outside backs tended to specialize in the running aspects of play, inside backs tended to show greater involvement in confrontational aspects of play such as rucking/mauling and tackling. These results suggest that rugby training and fitness testing should be tailored specifically to positional groups rather than simply differentiating between forwards and backs.